Ya’alon Criticizes the US: You Can’t Sit on the Fence with Regard to the Middle East and Islamic State

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, speaking at the Saban Forum in Washington D.C. Friday, criticized the U.S. for its lack of involvement in the Middle East.

“The U.S. can’t sit on the fence with regard to the Middle East and ISIS,” Ya’alon said, “It should lead and be more involved.” He added that Israel was “not happy to see Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Sunni countries running to Russia.”

Concerning the war in Syria, Ya’alon said that Sunnis and Kurds can provide the “boots on the ground” needed in the fight, but that they need to be “orchestrated and led.” Local forces should be empowered to fight, he said, adding that “Western troops in the Middle East should be the last resort.”